New chemo drug could mean fewer shots for kids with leukemia

NCT ID NCT01574274

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two forms of the chemotherapy drug asparaginase in 240 children and teens with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoblastic lymphoma. One drug (Oncaspar) is given every 2 weeks, while the new drug (SC-PEG) is given every 3 weeks and may last longer in the blood. The study also looks at whether adjusting treatment based on minimal residual disease can improve cure rates, and whether giving antibiotics early can prevent serious infections.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Calaspargase pegol (SC-PEG) and Oncaspar (both forms of the chemotherapy drug asparaginase)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could lead to a more convenient dosing schedule (every 3 weeks instead of every 2 weeks) with similar safety and effectiveness for children with ALL or lymphoblastic lymphoma.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 2 trial, so results are still early. The new drug may not prove as safe or effective as the standard, and the study also tests changes in therapy based on minimal residual disease, which is not yet proven to improve cure rates.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute lymphoblastic leukemia lymphoblastic lymphoma Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Centre Hospitalier U. de Quebec

    Québec, Quebec, Canada

  • Children's Hospital Boston

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

  • Columbia University Medical Center, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian

    New York, New York, 10032, United States

  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

  • Hasbro Children's Hospital

    Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States

  • Hospital Sainte Justine, University of Montreal

    Montreal, Quebec, Canada

  • McMaster University

    Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

  • Montefiore Medical Center

    New York, New York, 10467, United States